How To Harp Podcast

Heather explores how perfectionism can show up for adult harp learners, and why trying to get everything “right” can sometimes hold back your progress, confidence and enjoyment.She shares five helpful ways to think about perfectionism, from allowing yourself to be a beginner to seeing mistakes as useful information, aiming for progress instead of perfection, and learning to speak to yourself with more kindness.In this episode:• Why adult learners often expect themselves to be good quickly• How perfectionism can lead to avoidance• Why mistakes are an important part of learning• How to aim for better instead of perfect• Why music is about communication, expression and feeling• The importance of changing the voice in your head• How to approach your harp practice with more curiosity and kindnessThis is a practical and encouraging solo episode about letting go of impossible standards and finding more joy, freedom and progress in your harping.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpPractice #Perfectionism

Heather and Angela chat about the huge impact that in-person musical experiences can have on our harp journeys, from first discovering the instrument, to finding inspiration, creativity, confidence and community through shared musical experiences.They reflect on festivals, retreats, workshops and live concerts, and explore why spending time making music together in person can completely refill your creative cup and reconnect you with why you started playing in the first place.In this episode:• How in-person events helped Heather first discover and learn the harp• Why hearing live music in person can feel so emotional and inspiring• The unique experience of playing music together in ensembles and group settings• How retreats and festivals can refill your creative cup and reignite motivation• The friendships and connections that grow through shared musical experiences• Why immersive harp events can massively boost confidence and enthusiasm for learning• The importance of finding “your people” as a harp learner• Why even a short retreat, workshop or concert can leave you feeling creatively refreshed• The difference between learning music online and experiencing it together in person• Why stepping away from everyday life and fully immersing yourself in music can be so powerfulThis is a warm and uplifting conversation about community, creativity, connection, and the magic that can happen when musicians come together in person.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpRetreat #LiveMusic

Heather shares a simple structure for making short harp practice sessions feel calm, focused, and genuinely useful.She explains how to use 15 minutes well, including warm-up, creative work, focused repertoire practice, and the mindset shift that consistency matters more than duration.In this episode:• Why 15 minutes can still be enough time for meaningful practice• How to use a short settle and centre moment before playing• Why close work and stretch work still matter in a short practice session• How to include a small amount of creative work without losing focus• How to use nine minutes of repertoire practice in a targeted way• Why practice journaling helps you know exactly what to work on• Why regular, thoughtful practice matters more than long unfocused sessionsThis is a practical episode for harpists who want to make steady progress, even when time is limited.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpPractice #HarpRoutine

Heather and Angela chat about why music theory matters for harpists and how it can support real, practical progress at the instrument.They discuss how theory helps with communication, sight reading, memorisation, independence, and understanding music more deeply, as well as why learning it at the harp can feel far more engaging than traditional approaches.In this episode:• Why every harpist is already learning some theory, whether they realise it or not• How theory helps you communicate more clearly with teachers and other musicians• Why theory can make memorising music easier by helping you recognise patterns and meaning• How theory supports sight reading and helps you understand the root of common reading difficulties• Why theory can help learners become more independent and self-sufficient• How learning theory away from the harp can still strengthen your playing• Why theory can be enjoyable, practical, and directly connected to real music-makingThis is a lively and encouraging conversation for harpists who want to feel more confident, capable, and well rounded in their learning.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #MusicTheory #SightReading

Recording can feel surprisingly intense, even when no one else will ever hear the result.Heather shares five practical ways to make recording part of everyday practice so it feels more useful, less stressful, and more supportive of your progress as a harpist.In this episode:• Why recording often feels different from normal practice, even in private• Why you should start by recording small sections rather than everything at once• How to use recordings as information rather than judgment• Why listening back for just one thing at a time can stop the process feeling overwhelming• How regular recording can help it feel more normal and less intimidating• Why recordings can become a valuable record of your progress over time• How speaking to yourself like a friend can make recording a far more helpful practice toolThis is a practical and encouraging episode for harpists who want to use recording more confidently in both practice and performance preparation.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #RecordingYourself #HarpPractice

Heather and Angela chat about their experiences using Peterson harp tuners after several months of real practice, teaching, and performing with them. They explore how harp sweeteners work, how the built-in metronome can support rhythm practice, and what they have learned about choosing reliable tuning tools for different harps.In this episode:• Why Angela switched from the smaller clip-on tuner to the larger Peterson model• How harp sweeteners affect tuning and why they can make the instrument feel more accurately in tune• The difference between using a phone app and using a dedicated physical tuner• Why the stand, screen, and microphone make the larger tuner more practical in daily use• How Angela has been using custom metronome presets, time signatures, accents, and colour coding• The possibility of plugging the tuner into a computer for more advanced customisation• Why planning tempo changes, pauses, and rhythmic structure can itself be valuable practiceThis episode is a practical follow-up for harpists who want to think more carefully about tuning, metronome use, and how the right tools can support thoughtful practice.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpTuning #MetronomePractice

A well-rounded warm-up helps you play with better sound, more ease, and clearer focus, even when your practice time is limited. Heather shares the simple structure she uses to prepare both body and mind before moving into repertoire and explains how to choose exercises that directly support the skills you need in your pieces.In this episode:• Why skipping warm-ups can actually make your practice less effective• The two key purposes of warming up: physical preparation and mental focus• “Settle and centre” and how a short reset can transform your session• Close work, stretch work, and creative work explained simply• How to match warm-up exercises to the techniques in your repertoire• Why creative time belongs in your warm-up• An introduction to Heather’s new warm-up book and her upcoming Edinburgh International Harp Festival courseThis episode is a practical reminder that warm-ups can be short, structured, and powerful when chosen intentionally.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #AdultLearner #HarpPractice

Heather and Angela share honest health updates and talk about how to keep learning harp when your body and energy levels are unpredictable. Together they explore practical, compassionate strategies for adapting your practice, staying motivated, and finding support when chronic illness or long term health challenges affect your harping.In this episode:• Heather shares an update on recovering from a DVT and pulmonary embolisms• Angela shares her diagnosis of a rare chronic blood cancer (MPN) and the fatigue that can come with it• Why listening to your body and following medical advice matters more than pushing through• How to practise self compassion and avoid catastrophizing on harder days• The power of tiny steps (even when you cannot play) and finding positives in the struggle• Why your identity is not defined by your productivity, service, or illness• The importance of community and support when health challenges feel isolatingThis episode will help you feel less alone, and give you flexible ways to keep moving forward as a harp learner, one small step at a time.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #ChronicIllness #HarpMotivation

Heather gives a quick update on her health and answers a wide range of listener questions about upcoming events, learning opportunities, and what is next inside How To Harp. Alongside the update, this episode offers clarity on retreats, festivals, and new ways harp learners can set goals and measure progress.In this episode:• A short health update and how things are progressing• Details about the upcoming How To Harp retreat and how to take part• What Heather is teaching at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival• An overview of the new How To Harp certification and how it works• How level-based pathways support long-term harp learningThis episode is ideal for learners who enjoy behind-the-scenes updates, practical information, and clear guidance on how to stay engaged and motivated in their harp journey.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpQandA #HarpCommunity

Heather chats with June about her harp learning journey, from picking up music again after retiring to falling in love with the harp and diving in wholeheartedly as a learner. June shares what helped her most in the early stages, including moving to a full size floor harp, finding teachers and online resources, and building confidence through community and performance.In this episode:• How June found her way to the harp after exploring other instruments• The realities of learning on a very small harp, and why upgrading to a full size harp made a difference• How online learning, retreats, and coaching supported her progress• Joining an in person ensemble and adapting string music for harp• Why memorisation and taking opportunities to play can be so empoweringThis episode will help you feel encouraged in your own harp journey, and remind you that progress comes from staying curious, getting support, and finding ways to play that keep the joy alive.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:June Epp - Learner HarpistLearn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #EnsemblePlaying #HarpCommunity

This week’s episode is all about how a life shaped by travel, curiosity, and community can transform the way you learn, play, and share harp music. Sunita Staneslow joins me to talk about her journey from classical foundations into folk, arranging, therapeutic harp work, and creating music that connects deeply with people and place.In This Episode:• Sunita’s early musical life in Minnesota, and how the harp found its way into her world• Studying music alongside a broader academic path, and how travel shaped her career choices• The shift from classical training into folk music, arranging, and playing more by ear• Moving to Shetland, community music making, and how quiet spaces can fuel creativity• Using the harp in therapeutic settings, and why sharing beauty really mattersIf you’re an adult learner looking for inspiration to find your own musical voice, this conversation will help you reconnect with what you love, and give you fresh perspective on what progress can look like.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Founder of How To HarpGuest:Sunita Staneslow - Harpist, arranger and therapeutic musicianLearn With Us:https://www.howtoharp.com (Courses, Membership and Retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!#HowToHarp #HarpPractice #HeatherDownieHarpist #ShetlandHarp #HarpArranging

Karina is a highly experienced top-tier musician, and in this episode she shares what it has been like to become a learner harpist. From those very first steps, to playing with others and setting new creative goals. We chat about starting out, choosing (and falling in love with) different harps, and how online community and in-person events can completely transform your learning.In this episode:• How Karina first got into the harp, and why it kept calling her back• Starting online with Little Harp Social (and why technique foundations matter)• Buying harps in the UK and learning what you actually love in an instrument• Using projects, recording, and looping to stay motivated and make progress• Playing with others, including orchestral experiences, and why it can level up your harping fastIf you want inspiration to stay curious, keep learning, and stay connected to other harpists as you grow, this chat will leave you feeling energised and full of ideas.Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Karina - Learner HarpistEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #LearnerHarpist #HarpJourney

Learning an instrument is about so much more than notes and technique. In this episode, Heather sits down with renowned teaching artist, writer and educator Eric Booth to explore how understanding learning, teaching and creativity can transform your harping and your life.In this episode: • Eric shares his journey from Broadway actor to pioneering teaching artist • What a “teaching artist” is and why this mindset matters for every musician • How teaching or explaining something deepens your own learning and musicianship • Why the learning environment and community around you are as important as the content • Self determined learning, intrinsic motivation and staying connected to joy in your practice • Practical ideas for giving yourself meaningful feedback as an adult learner • The “law of 80 percent” and what it means for how you show up as a musician and sharer of musicHost: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Eric Booth – Teaching artist, author of Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in Shaping a Better World, and international leader in arts educationEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow or subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #TeachingArtist #ArtsEducation